I want to shoot shows.

The above photograph was made at a concert on New Year’s Eve’s Eve at 40 Watt Club in Athens, Georgia. My wife and I drove 13 hours from Dallas that day to get there. While I didn’t make the trip exclusively for photography purposes, I did bring my camera. I guess I have a bit to explain.

The story begins in July of 2008. The goal was to get some decent shots of the fireworks on a July 4th celebration on the 3rd. Walking to the car after photographing the fireworks, we saw a band playing on stage, The Killdares. I decided to stop and make some photographs of the band while I had the chance. My wife, luckily, is very understanding when it comes to these things. She took a seat and I photographed. What I came back with weren’t the greatest photographs in the world, but it was definitely an interesting experience. (I plan to post more photographs from the event soon.)

And then I learned about of Montreal. Over the next couple of months I grew to love their music. But it wasn’t until a week before the 2008.11.14 show at House of Blues in Dallas that I knew anything about the crazy theatrics of their onstage performance. My wife discovered the concert a week before it was to happen. She bought tickets and a week later we were attending one of the most fantastic shows of our lives, AND I DIDN’T BRING MY CAMERA. I was upset for leaving my camera at home — I nearly always have my camera with me, especially at events. I missed out on some truly fantastic photographic opportunities. Whoops.

A few weeks later, still giddy about my first of Montreal show, I was browsing their website and noticed a New Year’s Eve gig at 40 Watt Club. I never do anything for New Year’s, and December 31st just so happens to be my birthday as well. Combined with Athens being the hometown of the band, I just had to attend. Bought tickets and they added another show on the 30th due to popular demand, of which I also bought tickets.

A 13 hour drive from Dallas to Athens with my wife, a great time, and a few decent photographs have all come together to make me realize that — I want to get serious about shooting shows.

The thing about concert photography — it’s hard work. Like all event photography, much of the work has everything to do with being in the right place at the right time to capture the decisive moment. Aside from that, out of a proper photo pit, you’re dealing with the crowd — the rabid fans who could care less if you have photos to get. Pushed, shoved, grabbed, all while trying to get the shot. Not only that, but you’re dealing with crappy lighting and flashes either aren’t going to help, or are not even allowed. Nice equipment is a must. In fact, I already have a wishlist:

• Canon 50D body
• Canon 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM lens
• Canon 70-200mm f/2.8 IS USM lens

My Canon 400D and Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 setup, while decent, could use an upgrade. But, I’m just getting started, and that time will come (and it will be glorious).

Until then, I’ll be shooting shows in the Dallas/Ft Worth area. If you want me to come out and shoot your show, leave a comment w/your email address (will not be shown to the public) and I’ll get in touch. Here are a few more pictures from the of Montreal performance that night:

Reluctantly, I didn’t make any decent pictures of Dottie or Jamie. Next time.

For examples of work I aspire to one day create, check out the wonderful concert photographer, Todd Owyoung.

Roberta Rass and Matt Willis of The Killdares perform on stage at Lake Arlington on July 3rd, 2008. The band performed for the “Light Up the Lake” event in Arlington, TX.

Sarah and I went to the “Light Up the Lake” event mainly for me to photograph the fireworks. After the fireworks ended and as we were beginning our long walk back to the car, we stopped to listen to the band performing on the main stage. Then I remembered that one of the three themes for the next issue of JPG Magazine is “On Stage.” Pulled out my camera and made a few exposures.

The Killdares is a cool band — Celtic rock. Drums, bass, and guitar make rock — mix in bagpipes and a fiddle — Celtic rock. Pretty cool stuff actually. They are playing again locally this month and I’m thinking about going to see them.

Photography has become increasingly important to me over the past year, couple of years even. I became serious about it when I made the decision to purchase a digital SLR camera a year ago. Since then, my interest in the medium has continued to evolve. But, mostly, I’m just happy to have found a creative outlet again since basically giving up 10 years of trombone playing.

I have many goals in photography. One, improvement. This will obviously be a continuing and never-ending goal. Another, and the point of this post, is to have one of my images published. JPG Magazine is a perfect fit. The image at the top of this post is my submission for the “On Stage” theme for the next issue.

You can vote to have the image included (or not) in the next issue of JPG Magazine. It’s a community effort, and voting is a quick and simple click for “yes” or “no.” So please, vote, and pass the link along to other people you know who might be interested in voting as well. Thanks!